Mia kept her eyes on the food. Ford looked much better all cleaned up. He had grown more tan with all the time outdoors, and it somehow made his black hair and dark eyes less startling, but more intriguing. To keep herself from staring, she refused to look at him altogether.
"So, Ford," Grandpa said with a smile. "Tell us what made you decide to join our quest."
"Is that what we're on? A quest? Like in a fairy tale?" Daniel's eyes grew large, and Anaisa hushed him. The adults waited as Ford toyed with his food.
"I only met Trace twice," He said, "Once, at the house, and then in the cave. I can't say that I didn't resent him burning my map, and I won't pretend it's some sort of immediate respect that motivates me to be here."
Mia snuck a glance at him, and found his eyes on her. He cleared his throat and looked around at the others.
